Editing Glossary

Hard Cut

The standard change from shot A to shot B. It is the fastest, cleanest way to move the story forward.

J-Cut

You hear the next scene before you see it. Great for introducing new characters or locations smoothly.

L-Cut

The audio from the current shot carries over into the next. Perfect for showing a character’s reaction while someone is still talking.

Jump Cut

Chops out small bits of time within the same shot. Used to show a long process quickly or to create a feeling of unease.

Smash Cut

An abrupt transition from something quiet to something loud (or vice versa). It “smashes” the viewer into a new mood.

Cut on Action

The edit happens right in the middle of a movement (like a punch or a door opening). This makes the cut feel invisible.

Match Cut

Two different shots are linked because they look the same visually. It connects two ideas.

Cross Dissolve

One shot fades out while the other fades in at the same time. Usually suggests a dream or passage of time.

Fade In / Out

A shot goes to or comes from a solid color (usually black). Signals the end of a major chapter.

Cross-Cutting

Alternating between two different scenes happening at the same time in different places.

Cutaway

A quick shot of something else before returning to the main action. Provides context.

Montage

A series of short shots edited together to show growth or a long period of time in seconds.

Whip Pan

A very fast camera turn that blurs everything. Creates a high-energy transition.

Axial Cut

A cut that moves the camera closer to the subject without changing the angle.

Invisible Cut

Hiding an edit in a shadow so the viewer thinks they are watching one long shot.

Overlapping Edit

Showing the same action from two different angles to stretch out a moment.

Iris Cut

The screen closes in a circle around a subject. A classic silent film technique.

Reaction Cut

Showing a character’s face while they listen or react to something off-screen.

Graphic Match

Linking two shots that have similar lines or colors for visual flow.

Sub-Frame Cut

Precise editing used to sync visuals perfectly with a beat or sound effect.